BACKYARD BIRDING with Frank Doherty

Backyard Birds with Frank Doherty Q&A 1.16.21

1. What book would you suggest for birding in Alberta, Canada? (Lori Finley)

I would probably use Birds of North America, you will be right on the edge of Eastern. You may also use the Birds of Western US.

2. How do you keep squirrels off platform feeder? (Diana Bader) 

Try using a dome over the feeder, if you are using a pole use a funnel shaped guard on the pole. 

3. We have problems with squirrels, do you recommend the spicy bird seed? it seems to work well and still attracts birds. (Ty Powers)

I have used the “hot” seed and it work fairly well. Squirrels are a constant issue. Might try setting up a separate feeder for them.

4. I’ve seen many larger species, owls, hawks, & occasionally eagle (nest is somewhere near Lake Crabtree).

RDU is leasing 105 acres to a mining co. They will deforest and blast. I’m concerned this will seriously affect bird watching on the I-40 side of Umstead Park. Will this no longer be as good a place for bird watching? (Gil Johnson)

Still should be good, unless there is a lot of “sudden” noises. Loud bangs tend to slow things down.

5. Am I imagining or have I seen orioles in my backyard? (Alan) 

Yes, Orioles are regulars this time of year, the best food is Grape Jelly or cut and orange in half and lay it in your feeder.

6. What can you add to a fountain to eliminate algae but won’t hurt birds? (Gail Vaughn) 

There are products that can be added (I don’t remember the name) Logan’s used to carry it.

7. Saw a bald headed cardinal (molting), are these common? (MB) 

I have seen several odd things with Cardinals this year, “bald” head being one of them. Also some odd color variances.

8. What about crows and ravens? (Sebastian, age 10 – Mom, Audrey) 

There are two species of Crows, American and Fish, and can only be told apart by call. Ravens have been recorded in the area but are not common.

9. What would you recommend for placement of backyard bird houses? Distance from house/feeders/water? (Anonymous Attendee)

I like to keep Houses about 40 feets from the house, can be close to food and water. Feeders can be close to the house for easy observation

10. What is the best type of feeder for live mealworms for my bluebirds? (Alan) 

There is a small platform feeder with a cover that seems to work well. Logan’s has them in stock.

11. How do the birds know when you fill the feeder after it has been empty a while? Do they talk to one another? (Emily Sprague) 

Birds are “sight” feeder and will watch for food. Once one has found it, it will attract others. Have not figured out the bird talk yet.

12. My tube feeders seem to rot or spoil quickly. Is there a way to clean or protect them? (Ann Camden)

I have had trouble with certain food. I find the “Nut and Berry” from Wild Delight to have a long shelf life. Use a bottle brush and Dawn liquid to clean you feeders a couple times a year. Wild Delights also has a “Fruit and Berry” that I have had a little trouble with in the spring, but not in the winter.

13. Thank you! You are a great presenter: informative, engaging, and funny! (Janine in Williamsburg, VA). 

Thanks You, Keep Birding.

14. Do birdfeeders attract foxes? (Diana Bader)

If there is a lot a seed spilled on the ground in might attract mice/rats, which in turn may attract foxes, but not normally.

15. Do you keep mealworms out all year? I usually just put them out when bluebirds are nesting. (Ann Permar) 

I do feed all year, just to attract whatever might be eating them. I keep a fairly wide mixture of food out. Draws a lot of species.

16. There are Nandina bushes planted right next to the tree in my front yard. My HOA will not let me take them down; any suggestions for keeping the birds safe? (Janine S.) 

Normally the birds do avoid them, but you may just trim the berries off, if you have concerns.

17. What time of year will do Orioles arrive? (Lucy) 

Can be here all year, but mostly in the spring. Keep your eye out for just the females. Check a book for color, more yellow than orange.

18. Are there any tricks to make using binoculars easier when a person wears glasses? (Anonymous Attendee)

A couple of things: you can actually have you prescription made for the lens, can be pricey. Try without you glasses adjusting the right eye piece (should have an adjustment on it) to look normal and then try viewing to see if that help. It’s not an easy thing but you should be able to work through it.

19. What about chimney swifts? I had them living in my chimney for two years, but not this year. (Sara Boshart) 

Bird are primarily territorial and the one that have been nesting with you, may be gone or have found better nesting sites, they are wild animals and can be unpredictable

21. Invitation. If in Charlotte come visit Wing Haven!!! (Jeanne Steele)

Thanks, will try it when I am in the area. 

22. No birds touch our Nyjer seed in tube feeder. We used to have many finches, but none/few this year. Any ideas? (Gail Vaughn) 

Even though a lot of people use the Niger seed, I have not had much luck with it. Try the Nut and Berry, I get lots of finches with that product

23. Why do I have birds tapping on my windows every day? (lsartor) 

Bird are very territorial and they think someone is encroaching and trying to run them off. See them doing the same to mirrors on cars.

*Someone asked about the Apps I mentioned. I use “Merlin” and “Audubon” they are both free and very useful.

Thanks so much, everyone - keep birding!

Want to bird with Frank? Join him here:

BIRDWALK: Wendell Park Birdwalk Birding With Frank Doherty

When: Sat, February 13, 8:30am – 10:30am

Where: Wendell Park, West 3rd Street, Wendell, NC (map)

Description:  Sponsored by the Town of Wendell & led by Frank Doherty

(Note: at times there is an event at the park and thus an entrance fee -- tell them you are there for the free birdwalk to avoid the fee).

Meet at the entrance to the Wendell Community Park in the dirt parking lot near the park sign. Don't park at the Community Center. Look for people with binoculars. This birdwalk repeats on the second Saturday of most months. Check Meetup and wakeaudubon.org calendars for updates.

Note: Most of the trails are unpaved and rough (roots, etc.). Watch your step, wear sturdy shoes, and pack water. Can be muddy after heavy rain.

For more info please contact Frank Doherty at fdoherty@nc.rr.com